A new apprenticeship service aimed at helping employers tackle skills shortages, amid rising youth unemployment and increasing demand for vocational training has been launched by Ealing Council.
The Ealing Borough Apprenticeship Scheme (EBAS) aims to link local businesses with residents seeking practical training. It builds on the council’s internal apprenticeship programme, which has recruited 360 trainees since 2007, and has now expanded to support employers across the borough for the first time.
The scheme is part of a wider push to help generate 10,000 new jobs by 2026, a target the council says it has now surpassed. Data for Q2 of 2025/26 reveals 10,053 jobs created since April 2022.
Under the new scheme, businesses in the borough can access skills assessments, recruitment support and apprenticeship training funded through the council’s levy transfer system.
Among the early participants is Myles, 28, who left a career in animal science to train as a live event technician at Entec where he works full-time and recently worked on audio set-up for The Other Stage at Glastonbury Festival.
Myles said: “Being right at the heart of the action is what makes the difference. You learn the theory, but real experience is what counts.”
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “Our priority is helping residents build meaningful careers while ensuring businesses can access skilled, motivated staff.”
